Mobility is about people, technology, economics and politics. All of those heavily influencing each other. It is therefor nearly impossible to find a solution by just focussing on one of these areas.

One can say that the problems related to mobility is a so called „wicket problem”.

The generalized, defining characteristics are [Jeffrey Conkling]:

  • The problem is not understood until after the formulation of a solution.
  • Wicked problems have no stopping rule.
  • Solutions to wicked problems are not right or wrong.
  • Every wicked problem is essentially novel and unique.
  • Every solution to a wicked problem is a 'one shot operation.'
  • Wicked problems have no given alternative solutions.

Until now, the general approach of mobility related issues focus on the fact that the origin of the problem is defined as „too many cars on the same spot, at the same time”. So solutions are based on variations around:
  • reduce number of cars.
  • vary in time.
  • efficient use of space.
  • more infrastructure.

In this fast changing world, focus is shifting rapidly to more technology as the key to finding solutions. But most of these solutions are focused on solving the problem when it occurs: after the moment the traveler has decided to start a journey. For a journey from A to B, the focus is on getting the traveller to B.

But what if we look at it from a different angle. Nobody is traveling to point B, just to be at point B. People travel, because they have a need to be at point B. In that way a more functional approach of the problem area is established, and will the focus shift from „how and when” to „why”. So the traveler will be the focus, and not the journey.